Angels invite 20 to spring training

The Angels have finalized their list of non-roster invitees to spring training. As usual, the list is heavy on in-house prospects and light on players with major-league experience -- or realistic chances of making the team's Opening Day roster.

The ones to watch this spring are major-league veterans Jorge Cantu and Ryan Langerhans. Either one could win a spot on the Angels' season-opening bench (particularly if Kendrys Morales is not ready to play). In addition, right-hander Francisco Rodriguez has an outside chance of pitching his way into consideration for a spot in the Angels' bullpen. But first Rodriguez has to prove he is healthy after being limited to fewer than 25 innings total last season (13 2/3 with the Angels) by shoulder problems.

The real standout in this crowd, though, is 7-foot right-hander Loek Van Mil (above, left -- as if you couldn't figure that out). Van Mil was acquired from the Twins in the Brian Fuentes trade in 2010. Here's a story on the uniqueness that is Van Mil from last spring.

Van Mil, 27, pitched well for Double-A Arkansas last season. He was 3-5 with a 2.04 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and nearly as many strikeouts (46) as hits allowed (53) in 66 1/3 innings.

Here is the complete list of 20 non-roster invitees to spring training:

RHP Ryan Brasier

RHP David Carpenter

RHP Eric Hurley

LHP Matt Meyer

RHP Francisco Rodriguez

RHP Matt Shoemaker

RHP Daniel Tillman

RHP Loek Van Mil

C Jett Bandy

C Robinson Diaz

C Carlos Ramirez

C Alberto Rosario

IF Jorge Cantu

2B Taylor Lindsey

1B Efren Navarro

SS Darwin Perez

OF Kole Calhoun

OF Doug Deeds

OF Ryan Langerhans

OF Matt Long

Follow me on Twitter @billplunkettocr.

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